Synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots@Fe2O3/multiwall carbon nanotubes ternary nanocomposite for the simultaneous electrochemical detection of 5-fluorouracil, uric acid, and xanthine

• Published in: Journal of molecular liquids Vol. 331; p. 115768
• Main Authors: Ganesan, Muthusankar, Ramadhass, Keerthika Devi, Chuang, Ho-Chiao, Gopalakrishnan, Gopu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2021
• Subjects: 5-fluorouracil; Anticancer drug; Electrochemical sensor; Uric acid; Xanthine; 5-fluorouracil; Anticancer drug; Uric acid; Xanthine; Electrochemical sensor
• ISSN: 0167-7322; 1873-3166
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115768

Simultaneous quantification of anticancer drug and inflammatory agents in the biological fluids with a fast and responsive approach is essential for successful treatment and tracking. Here we report the simultaneous electrochemical determination structurally similar analytes of anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and inflammatory agents uric acid (UA) and xanthine (XA) for the first time. Initially, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQD) decorated iron oxide (N-CQD@Fe2O3) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Then this material and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were dispersed with an ultrasonicator, and a ternary nanocomposite was prepared. N-CQDs play a key role in ternary nanocomposite formation and electrochemical efficiency. Interestingly, the ternary nanocomposite exhibited surprisingly low charge transfer resistance (Rct) due to N-CQDs' inclusion in the Fe2O3 matrix and its hybridization with MWCNT, indicating rapid electron transport on its surface. Thus, the modified electrode, N-CQD@Fe2O3/MWCNT/GCE, showed excellent sensitivity for the detection of UA, XA, and 5-FU with the detection limit of 0.106, 0.092, and 0.019 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. Also, the established sensor has excellent stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. Further, the sensor was testified with a human urine sample, and the observed remarkable recovery results replicate its practical applicability. [Display omitted] •A functional nanohybrid material N-CQD@Fe2O3/MWCNT was synthesized using a simple approach.•N-CQDs act as a linker between Fe2O3 and MWCNT to construct the ternary nanocomposite.•The simultaneous determination of uric acid, xanthine, and 5-fluorouracil have been performed for the first time.•For each analyte, the lowest oxidation potential was achieved than reported sensors.